SELECTING EGGS FOR HATCHING 



287 



increases fertility, and the birds relish it in large quantities. Where 

 it has been given to, or withheld from, breeding flocks for alter- 

 nate periods, the effect upon fertility has been shown absolutely. 

 This advantage is approximately from eight to twelve per cent. 



The feed should contain only a limited amount of carbohydrates 

 or fat-forming elements, especially for the heavier breeds, since, 

 under normal conditions, they have a tendency to take on flesh 

 rapidly, and this results in an excess of fat, a decreased production, 

 and accompanying infertility. Plenty of feed and care in the 

 method of giving it are most essential. 



Collecting Eggs for Hatching. Eggs laid during the breeding 

 season are to be used for hatching; hence much care should be 

 exercised in their collection 

 and handling (Fig. 139). After 

 mating, it is well to wait from 

 two to four weeks before sav- 

 ing eggs for breeding purposes, 

 two weeks being the usual 

 time, but in the case of heavy 

 breeds four are necessary and 

 safer at any season. (See page 

 281.) It is well to collect the 

 eggs two or three times a day, 

 thus averting the dangers of 

 their being broken, or becom- 

 ing extremely dirty by a num- 

 ber of hens treading on them. 

 It also lessens the danger of 

 incubation being started by 

 broody hens, and in cold weather of the eggs being chilled. Any 

 violent motion of -the egg, such as shaking or jarring, should be 

 avoided, as this is apt to rupture the internal membranes and make 

 the egg useless for incubation. 



Selecting Eggs for Hatching. On collecting the eggs they 

 should immediately be sorted, and any egg unfit for hatching 

 should be disposed of for the table. Select eggs uniform in type, 

 shape, size, and color, discarding all that are cracked, extremely 

 dirty, badly shaped, or which have a rough, thin, or irregular shell. 

 Extremely small or exceptionally large eggs should not be used 

 (Fig. 140). This careful selection of eggs for hatching means the 

 saving of money in the course of a season, since all eggs of unsurt- 



FIG. 139. The egg-collecting pail should 

 be of heavy construction to avoid breakage. 

 A nest of soft material may be placed in the 

 bottom. 



